“He’s coming back to Footy Classified, which is just sensational,” Hutchinson said.

“He’s just a brilliant host, and his DNA is in this show.

“He and I worked on Classified sitting in coffees shops ten years ago trying to recruit Caroline Wilson and Wayne Carey at the time.

“He’s been such a part of the agenda of that show, we really missed him during the year.

“What the show needs is at least two footy voices, and that was a bit more difficult for the three of us, because the three of us (Hutchison, Barrett, Wilson) We all have our different strengths, but none of us have played the game, so it wouldn’t matter what we all thought. No one really cares about my opinions on footy,”

“Garry’s a wonderful television talent, I’m not sure the other networks would have known how to use him as well.

“I wonder whether had he ended up on Seven amongst all the other experts, whether they would realise what they’ve even got.”

Lyon has also been linked with Melbourne radio station, SEN, however, is not expected to return to The Footy Show.

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